Okay but I find it interesting that in TSoT Mary says she’s “starving” and she had to lose so much weight to fit into her dress i.e. she hasn’t been eating or indulging in food. And with the food=sex metaphor, it’s basically saying Mary’s not getting any from John and is really horny. Yet she somehow ended up pregnant? Idk just a thought.
THERE IT IS.
Does it mean she had to turn down lots of John’s advances to fit into that dress? Or did she just say that to make Sherlock jealous? Like, “Now that I don’t have to wear this dress afterwards I’m going to indulge my husband.” Idk either…
I rather take Mary’s "starving" line to mean there’s no real romantic intimacy between her and John. (Like Rebekah said in TJLCE, food=sex/intimacy). I think it means their sex isn’t satisfying, there’s no true love there. (I’m not implying that aromantic people can’t find sex fulfilling, I’m specifically talking about John, who’s extremely romantic). In fact, the fast-forwarded bit of how food is eaten at their wedding would confirm that reading. Here it is:
I didn’t alter the speed. That definitely doesn’t look like they’re savouring the meal; it’s all chomping and slurping noises instead. Seriously, watch it for yourself, it’s bordeline disgusting.
All of this also reminds me of how Mrs. Hudson (a mirror for John) talked about her huband, saying “it was purely physical between me and Frank, we couldn’t keep our hands off each other” , and “It was just a whirlwind thing for us. I knew it wouldn’t work, but I just got sort of swept along.” Frank managed to trap Mrs. H in a physical relationship and marriage. She knew he wasn’t ‘The One’, he was ‘A One’. But he was an adulterous drug dealer and a murderer, not just a bad influence for Hudders, but dangerous enough for Sherlock to “ensure” that man was sentenced to death. Also, I can’t remember who wrote a nice piece of meta on how Mrs. H was probaly victim of domestic violence based on her flinching reactions to anger, I know I read it somewhere. (If someone have the link, pls add). Wonder what that tells us about emotionally-abusive Mary. Fits.
Also, in this same episode, John’s ability to be a “sloppy eater” is put in the context of a very negative/deadly situation. (Sherlock says if he were to murder John, he’d poison him, “dead easy”.) So, ‘eating sloppily’ can lead you to overlook potential danger? Mhh, just like what happened to Mrs. H with Frank. And to John with Mary. So there you have it.
Can’t wait to see John and Sherlock sharing a lovely meal and savouring it!